The Hunger Games and Hope

I read a comment on a blog today about The Hunger Games series that really made me think. Again, I realize that other people have their own opinions, but here's my reaction to one.

The comment basically was that the series was pretty hopeless, in that, there was a lack of hope-for the characters, for the nation, for their lives. She didn't go into this detail, I'm elaborating. But you get the idea. 

This struck me as so odd. I've read all the books, and the first isn't the bleakest if you haven't. It's going to get grittier and worse before it gets even a modicum of better. Know that, and if you can't handle it, that's ok. 

But no hope? Really? I felt like hope was a thematic element throughout the books. Here are a few examples:

1. Katniss was able to survive the actual death of her father in a mining accident and the emotional death of her mother as a result. She was a child and yet she was still able to stand tall, provide for her family, and be a support system for her sister when her mother was unavailable. This girl has little in the way of proper adult role models and has been betrayed by so many adults in her life-her government, her father (not intentionally, but still), her mother. And the rest of the people in the Seam can only do so much when they are all struggling just to survive. I think that she was able to keep going proves that she had hope. Her mother didn't have hope, she lost her will to live. There is a difference to me there.

2. Katniss volunteers herself in place of her sister and allows herself hope that she will win and come back to her. 

3. Katniss not only plays the game to win, but she shows signs of political rebellion that she's not even aware of. She doesn't really see what's driving her to make the decisions she makes, but I think it's hope. Hope for a better life, a better future. That doesn't seem so endlessly bleak to me.

4. Katniss continues to fight. There are plenty of obstacles planted in her way, but she doesn't back down and give up. She presses on and fights for something. Why would you fight if it's hopeless?

5. The ending. I won't tell you what it is but I will give you a few details. It's not happy. It doesn't end with sunshine and roses and whole people. Many people in this series live terrible lives, have terrible things happen to them and they just can't be whole. However, I don't think it ends leaving you with a feeling of hopelessness. It ends leaving you with a feeling of closure and hope for what's to come. Or at least, that's how I felt and how I thought Collins wanted me to feel.

The blog the comment came from was a really refreshing point of view, but I didn't agree with that one piece and wanted to put my opinion into words. 

I also wanted to cover a few other thoughts I had about the story after talking to people who watched the movie but hadn't read the book. I heard a few comments that it wouldn't really happen, it could but most likely wouldn't. I don't' agree with that at all. It could, very easily happen. It has happened. And, in all truthfulness, it's happening right now. There are governments around the world who are putting their people through so much more than we can ever imagine-maybe not reapings and arena games to punish them for rebelling, but other just as terrible things. And the rebels fighting to save these people, a lot of times they aren't doing anything better. They are still hurting those they are trying to help in an effort to make a difference. And that's still not ok. The basis of this story is fictional of course, but it's not out of the question just because it isn't happening here, it's happening in other places and has been for centuries.

I came across this quote today, and I'm so jealous I didn't word my sentiments so well. This blogger stated my exact feelings, and her thoughts were stirred after her son's comment at the dinner table.

"I've heard the Hunger Game haters say these books are vile and send a horrible message to young people.  They are uncomfortable with the society Collins depicts.  'It won't be long and this world could be as evil and inhumane as the world in the Hunger Games,' they argue.  To this I say, as long as innocent children are kidnapped and enslaved to make our chocolate and eight year olds are killing other eight year olds so that we can wear shiny rocks on our fingers, we are already living in the world of the Hunger Games.  Welcome to Panem."

We will all have our own interpretation on the books and ideals within of course, but felt that hope was a main character and that these books could be non-fiction. Not in the future, but now. 

If you haven't read them, read them and form your own opinion! 

The Hunger Games: A film review

It's 2:30 in the morning, and I'm blogging. Why you ask? Shouldn't a pregnant mother of a vivacious toddler be asleep by this ungodly hour? Yeah, I should. But, if you know me, you can imagine what I might have been doing that would keep me up this late. If you guessed The Hunger Games midnight show, you are correct. If you're my mother, who went with me, your guess doesn't count. :)

Now, on to my thoughts before I lose all coherent ability to think.

The movie was excellent. The story was on track with the books, the dialog was similar, and the things that were left out were done so appropriately. The things that were changed were done well and I didn't leave thinking, "I read that book?" (ahem, Twilight and Percy Jackson)

There's just something really good about watching a favorite story come to life on screen-well, not just done, but done well.

What did I love? I loved Woody Harrelson, much to my own surprise. I didn't think he fit, but he managed to fit the part of Haymitch and be a good actor while doing it. I loved Josh Hutcherson, he is a great Peeta and I believed him. Jennifer Lawrence was great, as expected. The gore was toned down, which I'm fine with. The capitol is spot on, costumes, make-up, garishness-all true to text. 

Here's a part from the movie that I loved, that I apparently didn't consider while reading. District 11 (Rue and Thrush's district) was primarily African American, which makes sense considering it cuts a large swath through states that currently have a higher African American population. Suzanne Collins stated when the characters for Rue and Thresh were chosen that she described them as African American, and apparently I missed that description. There was lots of diversity in other characters as well, but District 11 is highlighted, and the citizens of the district are shown as African American and I thought that was a really important aspect of the film. It's not often that I enjoy something from the film more than the book, but this pleasantly surprised me.

There were a few things I didn't love. I have to agree with a few early reviews that stated they played up the love triangle. There were a few shots of Gale looking a little disturbed at the closeness between Katniss and Peeta. While I'm sure he did feel that way, we didn't know that in book 1. I also went with two people who hadn't read the book (shame on them, right?) and they were a bit lost. They weren't sure if it was current/past/present time. They didn't understand why some districts had more than others, and why District 12 had electricity sometimes, but not always. I don't really think this was obvious without knowing the back story. It gave a quick run down at the beginning, but it was quick. My mom's bff went with us and she didn't realize it was telling a story, and by the time she did we'd already missed 2 screens of text. I explained to her as best I could, but I thought that was a missed opportunity. I also thought that we didn't really get enough of life in District 12. We see that it's dark and dingy, that life generally sucks; but we didn't see any story that really developed the characters enough. I know they crammed as much in as they could, it was a long movie (which I love anyway) but I just wanted, for the sake of non-readers, the chance to know what's happening without guessing all through the movie and then asking later. 

I also didn't like that the movie didn't quite include enough of the negative feedback or social ramifications of what the Capitol was doing. It didn't make you feel guilty for watching, in fact, it almost made me want to see what it was like from a district viewer-which makes me want to throw up. I want to feel sick and guilty because people in real life want to see other people hurting, because humans enjoying watching blood sports (we have for over a thousand years and counting) but they just didn't convey how wrong it was. Or, not enough for me anyway. 

Then, there was one thing I hated. Hated. Loathed. Many of the action scenes were filled with this jerky, nearly home camera style filming that was next to impossible to follow, and made me want to close my eyes to avoid being sick. It moved to quickly, panned to fast, bobbed all over, and didn't give you clear image of what was happening. It gave you a clear image of panic and hurry, which I understand the need for; but it was just too much for me. 

Overall, I was impressed. It was true to the original story in the most important ways. It improved on a few ways that I felt the book didn't really just come out and say (and lets face it, I'm pretty concrete; I need things spelled out sometimes), and it didn't really disappoint in any major ways. I paid $11 total (to get in and snacks) and I will most likely go again before the run is over. 

So, my recommendation is for you to go watch it. Enjoy. 

And may the odds be ever in your favor. :)

Book list review and thoughts

I came across this blog today (on this dark, rainy day) and I enjoyed reading the list of books. I love books, and always request them for my son's birthday. I would much rather him have an exploding bookshelf than an exploding toy box. 

The list from this blog includes 75 character building stories. There are a few I've read (Giraffes Can't Dance, Where the Wild Things Are, Alexander And The Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day) and many I hope to research and add to our collection. 

The very first thing I notice is a complete lack of Dr. Seuss from this list. I get that it's author's preference, but wow. The Sneetches, The Lorax? Nope. The Sneetches seems to be a lesser known book, one that I hadn't read until I had a child of my own. It comes (I think) only in a collection with other stories (What Was I Scared of, The Zax, et al); but I still think it's one of the most important Dr. Seuss books available. 

I perused the comment section of the blog, seeing that other commenters noted the same absence as myself, but was a little disappointed to see a few say "It teachers that physical appearance shouldn't matter." or something to that affect, because really, it teaches so much more. The first time I read it, I was a little blown away by the fact that Dr. Seuss wrote The Sneetches in the middle of the civil rights crisis in the US. It's about so much more than physical appearance. It's about prejudice, tolerance, and treating people equally. Or, treating Sneetches equally. :) Dr. Seuss snuck this gem of a story-a huge character builder if you ask me, into our children during a time when it was needed most. I read it often to my son, and I impress upon him the importance of being nice to everyone, no matter how they look or how others treat them; he is to treat everyone the way he wants to be treated.

A side quirk I noted from this blog that I just wanted to discuss was a mother who commented that she did not like the book Pinkalicious, and didn’t think it earned a spot on the list of character building books. She said that the first time they read it, she didn’t like that the main character (and forgive me, because I’ve never read it) talked to her mother, stating that her daughter was very impressionable and she didn’t think it was appropriate for her to see someone else doing it and try to mimic the behavior.

That is all fine and dandy to me, it really is. There are books I don’t like, and books I don’t care to read to my children. However, I will choose not to read them and leave it at that. The commenter I’m speaking of specifically chose to glue the pages that she didn’t like together and continue to read the rest of the book.

Hmm. I’m all for personal choice, it’s your kids, your life, your books. But why not just put it away until your daughter can better understand that the little girl is acting badly and know better than to act that way? That just seemed a little odd to me. For one, that’s nearly sacrilegious to a book lover like me to damage a book permanently by gluing the pages together. And another, that’s just an odd form of censorship to me. I had a few friends in elementary school whose parents recorded over scary parts, sad parts, or swearing in children’s movies. It would just switch to a blank screen while that particular moment passed. Again, I’m all for ensuring what your children see isn’t harmful to them, but I can’t help but wonder why you wouldn’t just skip it or just not show it?

No judgment, I just really thought that was interesting. 

Just a few bits for thought today. As I said, it's rainy, and cold. And spring break, so I'm sitting in a quite house all alone while the boy is with his grandma.   

Nursery ideas

Because my male husband doesn't care about room decorations, crib styles, paint colors, etc etc I need a place to talk about it. 

For a girl nursery, I am loving the vintage feel. I want a light aqua paint color with pink and red accents. I'm debating between the first option and this one. The last time I chose a richer paint color I ended up with dark turquoise walls so I'm thinking maybe paler would be better. 

I found this bedding set. But I'm considering not ordering the bumper and just ordering it by piece. It will be a little cheaper, and apparently bumpers aren't safe anymore? 

I found and pinned this nursery months ago, before even thinking about having more kids. I just love this classic photo wall. I love including old family photos. I also found this banner on etsy. I'm really hoping to buy as much stuff from etsy as possible. I like the idea of using hand made items.

For a boy room, I am thinking nature or something similar. Archer's room was rustic. He had the bears, moose, cabin-y stuff. Of course, since we re-did his room for his birthday, I gave all of that stuff away. 

This time I'm leaning more toward foxes and bears, maybe a few other forest creatures. 

I love these prints, they are the inspiration for my idea. I don't like the owl, just because it's so over-hyped, but I do love the other two. I like the other options here too as well as the wall color. 

Week 12 and some extra

I posted recently that my little boy is going to be a big brother this year. Since I didn't do a post explaining the announcement (what explanation is needed? lol) I thought I would combine my initial pregnancy story and my twelve week update in the same post. 

On Saturday January 7th, I decided to take a pregnancy test. My period is always irregular and after a few late days I take a test just to ease my mind. (I bought some really cheap on amazon and they are actually accurate.) Let's just say I was a little more than shocked when that second line popped up. 

Even though we had a big surprise, we're still happy and excited. I make this statement because I get asked this question all the time. I'm not really sure what people expect me to say when they ask if we're excited, I've actually considered telling the next person that I'm terrified and we're considering adoption. Because really, find a better question (lol). 

I wasn't really having any symptoms before taking the test, but as soon as I did a lot of symptoms were explained. For example, I took the test my first week back to school after Christmas break. I was exhausted, but I was just thinking that was because I had been so lazy over break. I also realized my boobs were sore, but I had been attributing that my upcoming period. It also explained my overly emotional state. 

So, that's the beginning of my pregnancy. 

As for an update until week 12, I've been tired, nauseous, and full of acid. I haven't thrown up yet. I'm sure there will be lots of hate mail over that last statement, but that doesn't mean I haven't been miserable. I spent every day from the second week of January to now getting heartburn from everything I ate, including plain toast. I had to sleep upright because the acid was giving me a sore throat by the time I woke up. I know lots of people who have it worse every day, and I know just how lucky I am. 

This pregnancy has been similar (that I can remember) to my previous pregnancy with the exception of the heartburn. I don't remember it being so bad so early. 

My newest problem is dizziness. I am dizzy just about every day. It's usually worse in the evenings, but there have been a few days that I felt like I couldn't even lift my head up. 

Mostly, I'm just ready to feel normal again and looking forward to the more fun parts of being pregnant. I'm ready to feel the baby, get to see it on ultrasound, and pick out fun stuff for baby. :) 

Stay tuned for the Week 16 update.

Going Well

In case you're wondering, the giving up facebook for Lent thing is going fairly well. I do miss adult interaction, which I don't get a whole lot of after work most days. That results in me having all these conversation topics and no one to talk to. But, because pregnancy has rendered my brain nearly useless, I forget most of them anyway.

Archer seems to be enjoying his less-distracted-Mom. Yesterday morning I told him that when we got home we would play outside, play an ABC game on the computer, and watch a movie together. (I planned to watch Mary Poppins because we read the book the other night, AND I know we own it, but I can't for the life of me find it.) When I picked him up at daycare he said, "Mom, I know what we're doing today. We're playing outside, and playing ABCs." He added a few extra things that weren't on the list, but I got out of them (jumping rope and running in circles around the yard, I just don't have the energy for those activities.) I ended up having to take some stuff back to the store last night before the return period ended, so we changed our plans and ended up having dinner and ice cream together before returning home to work on some letters and watch Coraline.

I'm obviously a little partial, but he seems to understand his ABCs and the sounds they make pretty well. Even though he doesn't always know the letter, he almost always knows what sound it makes-example, the monster asks for "e, e says ee" and he knew the answer was zebra without being able to pick the letter e out of the line up. The most impressive were the ones that had the clue in multiple words, the monster asked for /l/ and he chose a word with /l/ in the middle when they were actually wanting "leaf." Another example was /z/ and they were looking for "zebra" but another choice was "nose" which also has the /z/ sound. I thought it was stupid because it was sounds in words, not sounds at the beginnings of words (that's a seperate game) so really he was right.

Anyway, the point of this rambling post is, I'm alive and well. I'm enjoying my break, but missing being in the loop with everyone. I'm glad to have no choice (or distractions) in spending time with my little boy while I can.





Big News!

Oh by the way, I forgot to tell you my big news!! :) 

Archer is going to be a big brother. Baby #2 coming September 2012.

What I'm giving up for Lent.

I'm putting a little blurb here, just in case.

Have I ever told you all just how much I love Facebook? I think it's an amazing place to keep up with friends and family you don't get to see often (or if you'll remember my post from around Christmas, you'll also know that I have a few dozen friends that I love that I've never even met in real life). Facebook seems to be the only way to keep up with those people.

But here's the thing about Facebook. It's just so tempting to never leave. You can pop in whenever, on your phone or computer. When you know there is an incredibly interesting/funny/dramatic conversation, it can even draw all of your attention without you even realizing it.

Last year, I gave up Chick Fil A for Lent. No I'm not Catholic, Methodist or any other branch of Christianity that observes the Lent, but after reading more about it, I decided that it wouldn't hurt me to sacrifice something. It would teach me self discipline. It would allow me to demonstrate my willingness to give up something in order to make myself a better person. It's both a spiritual thing and a personal thing. Except, last year, when I stopped eating at CFA, I started eating at other fast food places; so that obviously didn't work right.

This year,  I am (if you haven't guessed) giving up Facebook. However, I'm not limiting to Facebook. I am giving up the use of social media as a distraction to life. Instead of coming home from work, sitting down with my computer and checking Facebook, I'm going to spend more time playing with Archer, hanging out with Chance, cleaning my house, etc.

Because there are people that I will truly miss (because I never see them in my daily life) I feel a little guilty about this. But after a prayer, after some inner soul searching, the feeling in the pit of my stomach when I pondered what I thought God wanted me to do, I knew. I knew I needed to devote as much time as I could to my family, and Lent gave me a great tool in which to test myself.

So, I probably won't be blogging much (if any, no surprise there) and I definitely won't be on Facebook. I deactivated this evening, and have spent my non-facebook time playing educational games, reading, and watching movies with Archer.

If you're one of my Facebook friends and feeling left out, please feel free to email me, call me, text me. And please understand that this is just something I need to do for myself and my family. Know that I'm probably missing you and wishing I could be chatting with you. But, Easter isn't too far away!

Television perspective

I've posted time and again about the societal issues with breast feeding. It's one of my pet topics, just because it comes up so frequently, and there's never a lack of debate when it does. I have learned to state my piece and move on, because most people won't change their mind based on what I have to say anyway.

Today as I watch TV, "Toddlers and Tiaras" which is not generally a show I watch, I'm a mix of appalled and baffled. My issue here is, these people take away the primary reason most anti-breastfeeding speakers have. We shouldn't share breastfeeding (showing, telling, dolls, books, shows, etc) because it robs our children of their youth. I'm in complete disagreement with this statement, but let me tell you something I found today that I believe actually robs our daughters of their innocent childhood.

I watched a two year old be held down, screaming, so that her mom could airbrush her with a spray tan, wearing more make-up than a drag queen would ever wear,  pounds of fake hair piled on their heads, acrylic nails or shellac nail polish.

These girls shouldn't have to worry about all of this at such a young age. That to me is making them grow up faster than they need to.

Birthday Questions

I came across this list on Pinterest, and since I didn't know anything about it on his actual birthday, here it is.

1. What is your favorite color? Blue
2. What is your favorite toy? Captain America
3. What is your favorite fruit? Grapes
4. What is your favorite tv show? Wow Wow
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Fruit
6. What is your favorite outfit? Captain America costume
7. What is your favorite game? Throw a ball
8. What is your favorite snack? Snackie bars
9. What is your favorite animal? Giraffe
10. What is your favorite song? I can’t remember
11. What is your favorite book? The Bravest Knight (Mercer Mayer)
12. Who is your best friend? Logan
13. What is your favorite cereal? Cocoa Pebbles
14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? Slide
15. What is your favorite drink? Chocolate Milk
16. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas
17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? Georgie Porgie
18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Fruit
19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? McDonald’s Chicken
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? I don’t want to grow up


You are supposed to ask these questions each year starting with their third birthday and see how they change over time.

Get the help you need.

While reading in the blogging world last night, I came across a blog talking about self-harm. The author had recently openly discussed her depression and self-harm issues and was replying to the thousands of comments and emails she received telling her that they had been through the same thing or that they had needed to hear someone else admit what they were keeping a secret. 

In our society, we are all so judgmental of each other, comparing ourselves to everyone; when we know that we are all so very different. As different as we appear from each other on the outside, our minds and chemical make ups are just as different. Our experiences, culture, family, values are all different from other people. And that's okay, it just means that some people deal with things differently. They make decisions differently based on a different mental/emotional framework than our own. 

We see mental illnesses as something dirty, something not to be discussed, when in reality many more of us deal with anxiety, depression, compulsions, personality disorders (I could go on and on) than the outside world will ever know. 

This excerpt came from that blog, and I love it. 

Last night an email came in from a woman whose twin daughters had both committed suicide because of depression.  One had died only a few weeks ago and her mother made sure her obituary explained that depression had taken her child’s life, because she wanted people to know that it was okay to talk about it…because the more we admit these things the less we hide them away from the help we need.

It is so true and so necessary that it not be considered bad or swept under the rug. If the depression driving suicide wasn't considered to be such a taboo thing to talk about, if depression was really out in the open (meaning, considered to be real by all people-an actual issue, accepted that it's a common thing, appropriate ways of dealing with depression were openly talked about we would be in a much better place. Our world would probably still have just as much mental illness, but it would be addressed, people could get the help they need; and maybe there wouldn't be as many suicide cases. 

If you are reading this and suffering from untreated depression (or you're unsure) know that you aren't alone. Those feelings you have are extremely common, but they aren't necessarily normal. You don't have to deal with them unrelieved. There is some help out there. That doesn't mean you are broken, it just means you're different. And that's ok. At least in my book it is.

Source: The Bloggess

Letter to my Nanny

Dear Nanny,

It's been so long since we last talked. You've missed so much. There's so much I want to tell you, so much I want you to know, that I'm sure I'll forget most of it before I'm finished writing.

Not long after you went home I graduated from college. I only had one grandparent come to see me walk across the stage, but I know you wouldn't have missed it for anything. You would have been there if you were still here.

A year later, we took ownership of the house you lived in, the house you got married in. My bedroom now is the bedroom you slept in. I know you would be so proud of the house coming back together, and you would visit often. Mom says it still even smells the same. 

We moved into the house in June of 2008 and our only baby was born in August. I wish you could had been here to hold him, to sing to him, to snuggle with him. I was off work that whole year, so I would have made sure to come pick you up so that you could come to my house and love on my baby boy. 

It's really hard for me, knowing that Archer won't ever get to know you. You played such a huge role in my childhood, and I wanted my children to know the undivided love you managed to give each of your five grandchildren. 

I often try to remember the stories you told me and the songs that you sang to me so that I can sing them to him. He loves "You are my Sunshine" and we sing it all the time. He's starting to get the words down on his own and likes to sing it to me. He sings to me, "I love you, a bushel and a peck" a lot too, but he forgets how it goes and it usually ends wrong, but it makes me so happy to hear him say your words.

He's so talkative like I was, except he's pretty wild like his daddy was. He will tell a story to anyone who listens, which always reminds me that he's a Rogers boy just as much as anything else. I tell him stories about you and show him your picture, just because. He told me a few weeks ago that he loves going to Poppy's house, because that's where his family is and I wished that you were there too. 

There are days when I want to call you and tell you about my day, tell you about my life and ask for your advice. I keep your email address in my contact book because I can't seem to delete it. 

I'm sure this will sound silly, but because I drive so far to work that I listen to books every day. I used to love laying in bed with you in the old house listening to your books. If you were still here, we could swap books and talk about them. 

I hate that you're not here, that I didn't get the chance to share my family with you, but I know you are so happy where you are. So much has changed since you've been gone. My life is totally different. And I wish I had a grandma here that loved me as much as you did, that would love Archer as much as you could have. 

But you'll be happy to know we're all doing pretty good. Poppy is healthy, your daughters spend time together and help each other out like they were raised to do. Your grandchildren still gather on Sunday to spend time with family, and we include our own children in the mix. It's almost like it used to be at your house, with kids every where. Almost. 

It's been five years today since you went home, and I still miss you so much. I know we'll see each other again someday, and it will be a glorious reunion. Until then....

143

Sally

I'll Fly Away

This time of year five years ago, I was going through one of the hardest times of my life so far. On December 22, 2006 my mom's mom, my Nanny, went in for surgery to correct a blocked bowel. They removed several inches of necrotic bowel and we thought everything would be better then. 

A few days after the surgery, I was at their house on the computer, and when my grandpa came home from the hospital he told me that the doctors had asked him if my Nanny had a living will. That really scared him, and in turn really scared me. I called my mom who, at first, dismissed it and then decided we should all just go over anyway. We called everyone in my immediate family and we all went. 

She was sitting in her hospital bed talking to us and laughing with us. She was almost herself. That night was the last real conversation I had with my Nanny. It was the last time she was really conscious. I'm so glad we had that night, those laughs, that conversation. I'm so glad we went. We would have regretted it for the rest of our lives had we not. 

From the next day on, we all stayed at the hospital all day. Luckily, most of my family worked at a school and were on Christmas break. It started out spending all day, going home at night, coming back the next day. The longer she went without recovering, the more time we spent. The final few days, we rarely left the hospital for more than a few hours. We slept in recliners, two people per chair. We rotated schedules spending time with her and taking breaks; we took turns getting take out and bringing it to the hospital.

As terrible as it was, the reason for being there together, I feel like it's brought my family closer together on a whole new level. As crazy as it sounds, I can smile thinking of those awful days we spent holed up in that tiny little waiting room like it was some kind of hotel room just for us. 

When she finally passed away on January 4th, it was like we didn't know what to do. Our lives had been in this terrible holding pattern for so long, where should we go? What's next? We eventually just went to their house, numb. We looked at pictures, cried, laughed, planned. 

On January 7th we had a memorial service. We didn't have a funeral or a viewing, she didn't want that. She wanted a celebration of life, and we did as best we could. We celebrated as much as we could with broken hearts. We included the scripture and songs she had saved on her computer in a document called "favorite." We told stories about her and invited the congregation to do the same. We spent the afternoon with family talking about how great she was and how much we would miss her.

She truly was an amazing person. Even with 3 kids, 5 grand kids and a couple great grands, no one ever felt left out. She had enough love and enough time for everyone. I've never heard anyone say a bad word about her, other than my grandpa and after nearly 50 years he's entitled to a little good natured complaining, we all do it. 

Her friends and family love her and miss her daily. 

Nanny

Speech Practice

I've been practicing the /l/ sound with my son. His cousin's name is Logan, so we're working on Logan not Wogan. He's doing really well.

Just now however I said, "Say Logan with an /l/ sound." To which he replied, "Wogan with an /l/ sound."

I've been outsmarted.

If only your mouth was closed like your mind.

Why are people so stupid about breast feeding? I understand that everyone has different opinions about it, that's fine. But uneducated comments just irritate me. I don't even know why I read news articles about it, I'm too worked up to sleep.

It's not always possible to avoid going to the store all day long. Breast feeding mothers have shopping to do and errands to run, and sometimes that just happens to overlap with the time a baby needs feeding.

It's not always possible to use a cover. Sometimes baby doesn't like it, sometimes it's too hot. Most mothers prefer modesty, but there are times when feeding your baby is just more important than the judgement of others. In my state, I can legally feed my baby wherever I can legally be, so I'm sorry if I'm coverless, look away.

Not all babies will take bottles. That's a blessing and a curse. Stop suggesting it.

And everyone's favorite: feeding a baby is the same thing as going to the bathroom, so do it there. I actually saw a comment today that said "Feeding a baby is exactly like going to the bathroom." Really? That's just dumb on so many levels.

I also saw a man's comment, But if I just whip my penis out like a woman does her boob while feeding a baby does I'd get charged with indecent exposure. Don't go around showing people your privates. Again, really? So a man on the beach showing his nipples is showing his privates (and are we 12?)?

My personal favorite comment however was a woman saying that people shouldn't judge others. That no one is better than anyone and it's just about feeding a baby. Unless, that is, you're feeding a one year old, then you've crossed a line. Hmm. No judgment or anything.

There are many valid points as to why women should cover up, and many women do. It's just more comfortable for most of us. I don't really want you seeing my boob. Although, I will say, some women show more boob with a racy bathing suit or tank top than a breast feeding mother.

The moms who do force breast feeding on people frequently, do so (I believe) to gain publicity for their cause. Something they wouldn't have to do if we didn't react so negatively when someone feeds their baby in public.

The biggest enemy when it comes to breast feeding debates is the American society. Boobs are over sexualized and crammed down our throats as sexual objects when they aren't. God created (or if you don't believe, we've evolved) breasts to feed babies. It's not that it's a natural thing, it's necessary, God given thing.

So stop being dumb. Don't say dumb things, just say you prefer modesty or you wish that your child (or you) didn't have to see a naked breast and move on. Don't debate that it's the same thing as pooping or sex and that we should be allowed to do that in public too. Understand that sometimes it's too hot or we forgot a cover and that we, not only have a legal right to feed our babies, but that it's necessary.

If everyone on both sides of this never-ending debate would just give a little, it wouldn't be so bad.